Sport of the Month London Best Public Golf Courses

While golf is a popular sport throughout London, it is often difficult to find a suitable course for the average golfer simply seeking to play occasionally. Totally Sporty researched London's best public golf courses to ensure everyday golfers can find a course to play without membership and regardless of handicap.

Richmond Park Golf—Southwest London

Richmond Park is the best place to golf for breathtaking views of London's flora and fauna. With two 18-hole courses amidst the park's expansive 2,500 acres, it is not uncommon to see hundreds of tree and plant species with just a glance or to pass a herd of deer.

Richmond Park is also an ideal course to play with the family because of the amenities offered within the park, such as picnic areas, wide open spaces to fly kites or throw Frisbees, and playgrounds.

Duke Meadows Golf—West London

Duke Meadows is the ideal location for improving one's golf game. Its nine-hole course allows for a quick game while fine-tuning technique along the way. A short-game practice area, putting green and 50-bay driving range are also features for practice.

At Duke Meadows, 12 PGA golf pros offer some of the best golf coaching in London. Free video analysis group coaching and swing coaching is offered on a weekly basis, and Duke Meadows also offers comprehensive group and individual coaching that can be scheduled independently.

Trent Park—North London

Trent Park Golf Course is the most accessible golf course in all of London. Only 20 minutes from central London, many golfers use the Underground for transportation as Trent Park is just off the Oakwood station on the Piccadilly Line.

The golf course is set among the park and the woods, providing a unique view to golfers. A member of American Golf Discount and Gold Crown, it is one of the best maintained courses in London.

PlayGolf London—Northwest London

Voted the United Kingdom's no. 1 nine-hole golf course, PlayGolf London (formerly Northwick Park Golf Club) is designed to re-create some of the most challenging holes in the Majors, including holes from the U.S. Open, Masters and Ryder Cup. As a result, the PlayGolf London is frequented by PGA Tournament golfers.

A newer London golf course at just five-years-old, the course is also a fun family outing location because the park also offers a mini-golf course and batting cages.

Bromley Golf Centre—South London

One of the most welcoming golf courses in London, Bromley Golf Centre is a great location for beginning golfers. Bromley offers a wide variety of coaching options and lessons, including convenient weekend sessions.

The nine-hole, Par 35 course allows new golfers to become accustomed to playing the game of golf without the intimidation of completing a full 18-hole course. Bromley also has a 20-bay floodlit driving range, putting green and practice area for continued practice.

Hoebridge Golf Club—South of London

For the best deal in golf and play at one of the top courses in London, look no further than Hoebridge Golf Club. Off-peak deals are as low as £9.99.

Hoebridge offers three courses to meet the needs of all golfers: The Hoebride, an 18-hole course designed by Ryder Cup captain John Jacobs; The Maybury, Hoebridge's "short course" (averaging Par 3 per hole); and Shey Copse, Hoebridge's nine-hole course that includes Par 3 and Par 4 holes.

Hoebridge also offers flexible coaching and lessons packages from its seven golf pros. Times range from 30-60 minutes and vary in form such as technique sessions, 9-hole playing sessions and video analysis. Groups of at least four can also participate in coaching sessions on topics such as swinging, standing, balance and leverage.

Silvermere Golf—Central London

Silvermere offers an 18-hole golf course formerly used as a qualifying course for the European tour, making it one of the most challenging places to play in London.

A pay and play course, golfers of all abilities and ages can test their skills on this tough course. The placement of two holes across Silvermere Lake in addition to other water obstacles provides a unique but picturesque challenge to golfers.

Silvermere also offers a variety of ways to improve individuals' games. 11 PGA golf pros are accessible on site for coaching and lessons, and the club also has a 32- bay driving range, all-weather putting green, and practice areas. For golfers with busy schedules, Silvermere's extended operating hours (until 9:45 on weekdays) are convenient for developing one's golf game after the work day.